not all who wander are lost.

Friday, January 31, 2014

And so the days go...

And so the days go...

On my mat by 5:30am for several rounds of (hatha) sun salutations, pranayama and meditation. By 6:30am I have a cup of hot water with lemon in my hand and 15min later I'm making (my favorite) walk over the creek, crossing the train tracks, and then walking cross the field (and of course saying hello to the brown cow) to the beach. I surf a few at Lazy Left, where I can slowly wake up with this long, super shanti, cruisey backhander. Then I paddle down the beach to Rams, the heavier, zippier, shallow (short board) break for some super fun punchy waves on my frontside. Already I am amongst "family" here with a strong community of friends from last year, new buddies that I've met in the water this year, an amazing crew that is staying here at Asankas as well, and three friends from home (margate nj) Lindsay. Courtney and Brian.

After a few hours of surf I get out and enjoy a breakfast of: two hard boiled eggs, a slice of papaya and a pot of hot tea. I take my breakfast slowly and solo, soaking it all in. After brekky I head back to my room for an intuitive flow. I simply lay on my mat, ask my body what it wants, and respond appropriately. It has been amazing. I don't feel that I "should" do this or do that, I just do what my body calls for- and it lovingly responds with good health and happy limbs.

After yoga I read for a bit and journal (a lot). I have been writing like a mad dog...inspired by the simple yet direct questions that Ana Forrest asks in her book "Fierce Medicine". I have been doing a lot of fear journaling, intention writing and in depth explorations of the heart [and it's connection to body]. Perhaps I play some music, or drink more tea, or maybe just relaxing, that is until it's time for lunch (Rice and Curry for 200rs at Ronnie's shack down the street).

I've felt a strong connection with Carl, a British gentlemen whom is a teacher in Singapore. He is a brilliant conversationalist, a very empathetic listener, a great musician and just a joy to be around. We talk a lot about things that matter and nothing that's 'on the surface'. It has been a "heady game" for me since I've come away-- diving pretty deep into spirituality and matters of the heart, so I have been feeling a bit of disconnect from a lot of people, having a hard time to relate and make day-to-day conversation. I appreciate the comfort and safety that I have in Carls friendship. Sri Lanka has changed quite a bit since I was last here less than a year ago...the backpackers are moving in and it has a bit of a Bali feel to it. There's lots of short shorts, cheek kissing and large groups of beautiful-hipsters hanging on one another. It makes me uncomfortable because I just can't...feel comfortable! People my age have always been a challenging scenario for me. My life coach says that it's because of being bullied in high school. Who knows. Carl says it's because my spiritual age is drastically different than theirs. I agree with them both. When I feel the insecurities start to creep in when I'm around a group like this, I breathe into it and journal through it. Slowly slowly. Progress is coming.

After a lazy, inspired, satisfying afternoon I'll rest my eyes for a few minutes and then have a sunset surf session. Shower. Read. Journal. Dinner (rice and curry) with friends. In bed by 9pm.

As Ghandiji says, "Simple Life, Good Life".

Aho.
Amen.


Cailin Callahan
www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

New Moon

Last night was the New Moon. I made an incredibly detailed list of INTENTIONS and plan to reread them every day, planting the seed in my heart and consciousness.

"Choose your intention carefully and then practice holding your consciousness to it, so it becomes the guiding light in your life." -JohnRoger


Cailin Callahan
www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Plot Twist.

I woke up this morning to a challenging day. And on Facebook a friend had posted this quote "When something goes wrong in your life, just yell PLOT TWIST! and move on". It just reassured me that there is actually no such thing as something going "wrong"...it just isn't right. And then this afternoon when I was feeling down, I saw this funny cat soy milk post and couldn't stop laughing. Facebook saves the day!! Shake it off and laugh it up!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Home, Sweet Ceylon!

I love love love Sri Lanka. Love Sri Lanka! It begins with the flight. It was 10 hours from London to Colombo, but it's the most comfortable, accommodating flight. The crew is super friendly and are happy to keep your wine glass, tea cup, and water glass full. There are endless movies to watch and big, warm blankets to cuddle up with.

We hit the ground and I was one of the first ones off of the plane. I've done this before so there's no looking around at the signs, it's like my muscles knew where to take me. I had a grin from ear to ear that I couldn't suppress-- and I happily chimed "Ayubawan!" (Hello) and "Kahomaday!?" (How are you) to every Sri Lankan I passed. I handed my information to immigration and was through in seconds. My surfboard was already waiting for me and my checked bag was one of the first on the carousel. I walked out the exit and headed straight to the money exchange counter that I have used in the pass and then to the Airtel stand where I activated my SIM card for my little local (Nokia) cell phone. My ride was waiting there for me and we were off.

I'm now in the car, heading down the highway, Sinhalese tunes blaring through the radio! I love Sri Lanka! It feels like home!


Cailin Callahan
www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Monday, January 27, 2014

London Layover...

I had a 9 hour layover in London, so i hopped on the tube and had lunch with my dear friend Jessica Stewart. Jess and I studied together in India one year ago, and she was a rock for me during a very emotional time in my life. She literally held me and rocked me as I processed some serious grief over losing my father, and I will be forever grateful for her compassionate heart and full friendship. We chatted about all things yoga (she's a full time instructor here in London) and we got really excited about doing some potential collaborations together in the future. Yay for wonderful friends around the world!

And now, this time, I'm REALLY off to sRi Lanka....

I Heart...

I Heart Hip Hop!!!

Hip hop, can't stop, won't stop.

Another amazing retreat. Gracias Todos Santos, Mexico for the amazing weather and amazing time! My next retreat is in Baja at Rancho Las Cruces on the Sea of Cortez April 20-25th. There's still a few spots left!!

And now...off to Sri Lanka!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Baja Zen + Golden Buddha

Join me in Mexico at Baja Zen next year to become a GOLDEN BOO!!
Kim, owner and mastermind behind the beautiful retreat space, BAJA ZEN.




This training is going to be 300hours (with 200hour Yoga Alliance TTC), which will last 4 weeks. Classes will be 6 days a week, with Sundays off. There is accomodation on the property, or your welcome to stay elsewhere and commute. The training will have your traditional 'teacher training' background, but will be infused with a lot of alternative, creative ways to go deeper and understand on a more intricate level.

    • Why study with GBY?
    • Golden Buddha Yoga presents a wholehearted approach to learning yoga.. Our offerings are creative and fun yet the integrity of ancient yoga teachings are preserved. We are a collective of teachers who share the intention of applying the whole of the yoga system as a blueprint for living. Because we three are made up of differing qualities and life experiences, our approach to this shared intention are equally varying. Our well-versed dynamic guarantees that we will teach you the gift of yoga in all its magnificent facets. We promise to give you the necessary tools and support so you can apply all of the teachings to your life with grace and integrity. As the saying goes, There are many doors to the same house. We want to show you as many as possible.
    • We love what we live, that’s why we teach it. We have learned that love and inspiration are the best tools for teaching. We want you to fall in love with they yoga system as we have.
    • Together we will explore the the heart of our practices through the principles and foundations of Anatomy, Philosophy, Ancient Yogic texts, Hatha, Vinyasa, Pranayama, Meditation…...
    • Why 300 Hours?
    • With an added 100 hours we will take time to dive deeper into our creative processes through art projects and other mind opening adventures. We will explore ways in which we can hone in our our listening and observation skills. Using daily rituals, we will tap into our individual source of inspiration and so not only is it a learning experience, our teacher training is a life changing experience and will bring you closer to your most authentic self.
    • Why abroad?
    • Removed from your surroundings and comfort zone, your habits and with minimal distractions you are able to revel in the new information and knowledge. Enjoy the unwavering support of fellow teachers and students. Experience not only the teacher training but the incredible surroundings of Baja, Mexico. In a beautiful, expansive environment; our spirits have a chance to receive the teachings with a clear mind and open heart.
    • By taking ourselves abroad, we can relax into the spirit of the system. Being comfortably away allows us to create a new neutral from which we can learn. We are essentially practicing pratyahara, limiting our senses to support a greater goal - in this case, the quest for knowledge and self-transformation. We can learn the tools and the teachings from the ground up and create a strong foundation that will be easier to sustain once we all return home.
    • Venturing from home to study for a few weeks allows this act to be incredibly personal, and therefore deeply special. You can be whomever you want to be, whomever you truly are, without the pressures of the social milieu from which you’ve come. It is so valuable in this present world to thoughtfully slow down, remove ourselves, pause, observe, recallibrate, and then move forward. 
    • Why intensive?
    • Participating in an intensive training allows us to deepen our dedication towards our practice with minimal distractions. With day to day integration of the knowledge we learn, it becomes a tangible part of you, that you are certain carry with you always. We understand that you are busy, and getting away can be a challenge but our teachings are offered in a focused direction and pleasantly intensive way so that your yoga immersion is a great pleasure and exciting exploration!


  • And this is a basic outline for the day (which obiously will change here and there...)


Jan 25th- Feb 22nd

6am - 9am SADHANA

9am-9:45am BREAKFAST

9:45am-10am SANSKRIT

10am-12pm

12pm-3pm LUNCH:Free Time

3pm-6pm

6pm-7:30pm Dinner

730pm-9:15pm

The studio space at Baja Zen...

The rooms at Baja Zen...

Is It A Whale...?

....Or A Shark??

This is the conversation that we were having moments before I hopped off of the boat and into the water with this 25' Whale Shark. I decided that it was more whale than shark and off I was!! I swam way faster than anyone else on the boat so it was just me and this big, peaceful creature of the sea. I couldn't stop giggling because I was so excited and simultaneously incredibly nervous, swallowing water as my smile let in water. This was the most magical day on the water that I've ever had....and I have spent MANY a day on the sea. There were dozens of dolphins and two humpback whales that were inches from our boat, giving us a show - rolling and flapping and flipping and singing. My heart was skipping a beat and I was paralyzed with joy. 

A big thanks to our main man Ira, who not only showed us the most amazing time and educated us about environmental conservation, but he also joined the local band at lunch and sang us one of his original songs!! Ira has lived in Baja for the past 21 years, and he was a wealth of information. 

I am SO incredibly grateful for this AMAZING day. 

Godbless. 







Thursday, January 23, 2014

Laugh.

Laugh...it feels good.
Love...it feels good.
Live...it feels good.

Community.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Chia Gel

Chia Gel

Chia seeds are indigenous to Central America, and they are one of the tiniest edible seeds. They have no flavor which makes them great additions to smoothies!! They are capable of retaining up to 9x their weight in water if you soak them and when added to a smoothie after soaking them it makes the smoothie thicker (minus the calories). Unlike some other seeds, chias don't need to be ground because they are digestible as is. Chia is full of healthy fats, is high in fiber and chock full of antioxidants. It is full of minerals and protein, and contains omega-3's, calcium and iron. It's great for weight loss, sustainable energy and longevity.

To make CHIA GEL:
Mix together 2 cups of water with 4 tablespoons chia seeds. Let stand for 15 minutes. Mix again, then let stand for 15minutes longer to allow the seeds to swell even more. Refrigerate. Chia gel will last for one week.
*Fun Tip: instead of adding to water, add to apple juice, grape juice or kombucha to crest flavored variations.

When adding chia gel to smoothies make sure you add them after the smoothie has been made, maybe pulsing the smoothie a few times to incorporate the chia gel without pulverizing the seeds.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Healing Love.

I haven't felt connected to anything in particular since arriving, so I've only touched on readings (in my yoga classes) that are something I really believe in and embody on the day to day. But this evening, after leading a restorative flow, as we were moving into a long seated meditation, a healing prayer popped into my mind...one that I had written down a few months ago. It's so simple and so beautiful. I tweaked it a bit to be something that really resonated with my spirit, and I wanted to share it with you.

Healing Prayer

"In the stillness of Your presence, I feel Your healing life flowing through me now, bringing peace to my mind and energy to my body.

Enfolded in Your powerful healing love, I experience health and wholeness in mind, body, and emotions.

I am full with gratitude for Your healing life that surges throughout every cell of my entire being, strengthening me and restoring me to wholeness.

To You, I release any concern about my health, any doubt and darkness in my spirit, and any fear that I've allowed in my heart. I trust Your healing love and Your life-giving presence to renew me.

Beautiful Divine, I am open and receptive to Your healing power. Your light and life energize every cell of my being, and I am grateful."

Allow yourself to be wrapped up and completely enveloped into the warmth of this gratitude. You are loved.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Dr. King

"If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control."



Presence by means of Gurdjieff

On the first leg of my flight I started reading "The Reality of Being : The Fourth Way of Gurdjieff" by Jeanne De Salzmann, a book that my friend Pepper had highly recommended. Well, I have been devouring it. I actually haven't minded this cramped, stale-air flight either- because I am so grateful for the stillness that it has invoked and the solitude that it entails. This is the first time in weeks that I have had the time to just be with myself. Now, I know that this is partly my fault because I wasn't creating space for myself, but I felt like my energy was being pulled in many directions, my attention needed in several commitments, and my love was being demanded BY and *wanting to be* shared WITH everyone around me.

None of the past few weeks matter now, because I am in the present. And in this present, I am working on my Presence...the art of attention. I reaffirm how important it is to take this time for myself to therefore be a better teacher to my community. My consciousness has risen just in this measly three hour flight thanks to solitude, guidance through the inspiration and intelligence of Gurdjieff, and a desire to dig deeper. Be prepared for many posts about my discoveries and for this name to pop up quite often in this summers classes....

Yay for learning! Hooray for good books and gurus! I am so happy!

Ends of the Earth...

I'm off.

Mexico.
Sri Lanka.
India.
Sri Lanka.
Mexico.
California.
Key West.
Italy.

There's still a few spots left in the Mexico retreat at Rancho Las Cruces over Easter (April 20-25th), but all others are sold out! See you in the summer....

Lord Huron "Ends of the Earth"
Oooh, oooh

Oh, there's a river that winds on forever
I'm gonna see where it leads
Oh, there's a mountain that no man has mounted
I'm gonna stand on the peak

Out there's a land that time don't command
Wanna be the first to arrive
No time for ponderin' why I'm-a wanderin'
On while we're both still alive

To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
There's a world that was meant for our eyes to see
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
If you won't, I must say my goodbyes to thee

Oh, there's an island where all things are silent
I'm gonna whistle a tune
Oh, there's a desert that size can't be measured
I'm gonna count all the dunes

Out there's a a world that calls for me, girl
Headin' out into the unknown
Wayfaring strangers and all kinds of dangers
Please don't say I'm going alone

To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
There's a world that was meant for our eyes to see
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
If you won't, I must say my goodbyes to thee

I was a-ready to die for you, baby
Doesn't mean I'm ready to stay
What good is livin' a life you've been given
If all you do is stand in one place

I'm on a river that winds on forever
Follow 'til I get where I'm goin'
Maybe I'm headin' to die but I'm still gonna try
I guess I'm goin' alone

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Graduation.

Congratulations to our teacher trainees who graduated today! Their training began in October and they have put in so much love, dedication and passion into their growth as individuals and teachers. I'm so incredibly grateful to have been able to help in this transformation, to inspire this journey and to share the wisdom that I have gathered from my teachers. So blessed. I leave for Mexico tomorrow am to lead a retreat and then I'm headed to Asia. I'll be back this summer for a few weeks to teach at the Zen Den and to teach our next 200hour Yoga Teacher Training certification (June 25th-Aug 14th). Be well East Coast, and stay warm!

Nourish the Heart, Nourish the Body

I had a moment of feeling super overwhelmed and small, and then I snapped out of it thanks to a delicious meal with good friends. My dear friend Rochelle cooked my last meal in south jersey....flank steak with a chimichurri (Evoo, garlic, cilantro, lime and salt) served with the most epic roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, and creamy delicious avocado. It was so nourishing and just what my spirit (and belly) needed. I shed a few tears as I hugged her goodbye but she's one of those people that I have had forever and will forever be a part of me no matter where I am....

Saturday, January 18, 2014

ladies.

I have wonderful friends.
And in this time of transition, my heart is full :
and great-full for my beauty-full
love-full
Amazing
Tribe of goddesses.
They lift me up.

Friday, January 17, 2014

floating and flying.

A friend and student of mine texted me the other day saying,

"I had a dream last night that I was using my Ujjayi breath to fly, and you were sitting in a horse drawn carriage."

I don't know what it means, but for some reason, as soon as I heard this, I felt immense love in my heart. The best part was the sketch from his journal that he shared, and the quote that he added in....

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

MK Photography

 




My friend Mags is a wonderful photographer...and lucky me, she snapped some of me the other day. She took nearly 2,000 photos and we selected nearly a hundred of our favorites that I will slowly be filtering onto the web these next few months. I'm so grateful that she took the time to play with me! Magdalena may only be 21 years old, but shes got shit going on! I'm so proud of her...not only was she just accepted into law school, but shes running a full time photography business and is involved in volunteer projects and outreach programs. In fact, she has a big show coming up this weekend.....

Magdalena Kernan, a 21-year-old senior political science major at Richard Stockton College, created a class project in 2012 to engage with homeless people in Atlantic City, a project that features portraits of her subjects which became part of the exhibit “Finding Home” at the Noyes Museum of Stockton College in Oceanville.
Now her most recent portraits have been collected for the event Faces of the Homeless, taking place Sunday, Jan. 19, 5-8pm, at The Melting Pot Restaurant, 2112 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City. The event will include music by the band ARGO and a silent auction.
The Melting Pot will be providing hors d’ouvres and drink specials and donating a percentage of the profits. All proceeds will aid the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and Covenant House.
Explains Kernan, “One of the goals of my photography is to point out the displacement and disparities among the poor. Too often, individuals who are well off enough to help, simply do not. The homeless represent a major under-served segment of the population.”
“I thank the Melting Pot for stepping up and recognizing the issue and helping to raise awareness.”
The event is free but donations are appreciated to the charities and the proceeds of the silent auction will go to one of the charities.

10 Year.



My ten year visa is here! I almost kissed the FedEx lady when she arrived with this treasured thin envelope!! My most valuable possession is my passport. I don't have many expensive things and there is nothing that I am as proud of, careful with, and grateful for as this little pass for the world. Hooray! Rejoice! Let the travel begin!

Monday, January 13, 2014

ROAR.



It's a New Year, a New Me....time for a NEW SONG. When Dad was sick, and after he passed, I would listen to Florence and the Machines' "Shake it Out" on repeat. That's what I needed and that's what I did. This song held so much power for me and I will always love it, but I'm moving forward now and I've shaken that shit out the best I can. A while back I heard a song on the radio that instantly caught my ear (most radio songs do this I suppose...) but it was the chorus that really captured me "...and you're gonna hear me roar". That's how I felt. Now is my time...hear me roar! For Christmas Nina (Paraiso adventures) bought me and Sarah (the beautiful esthetician that goes on all of the Mexico retreats) ROAR pants. Well, they are fucking epic. And when I wear them I feel powerful and amazing. So, I just wanted to share this song with all of you. I hope that it inspires and empowers you as it does for me.


Katy Perry "Roar"

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar

Now I'm floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me ROAR...

Roar-or, roar-or, roar-or, roar-or, roar-or

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna Gonna hear me ROAR...

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Rebel Fairy.

Pepper came to visit me for 24 hours, and it was the most inspiring 24 hours that I've experienced in quite some time. We accomplished so very much and laughed so very much;  heart is full and my mind is overflowing with brilliance! Pep is part of a magical trio that I have created to start leading international teacher trainings. The idea didn't even come to me until I met these lovely ladies, who were the driving force behind this passion to create my own training. Pepper, whom her teacher (Elena Brower) lovingly refers to as a "rebel fairy", reminded me that LOVE is IT. And not just giving love, but also receiving love. Love is the bridge between us and everything. I'm so fired up on this short-but-super-powerful visit, and I am so looking forward to how powerful and amazing we are going to be together.

For all your nor' easters out there, Pepper teaches all over NYC. Some of you met her in class today and had inquired about where to find her...so here are the deets! Check her out!

Pepper Monroe
cell: 347.265.9819
Facebook: Pepper Monroe
FB Site: Kindred Yoga + Wellness
"Be we king or be we bum, the reed still whistles the heart still hums." -patti smith











Sent from my iPad

Curry Ginger Quinoa

I was enjoying this so much that I almost finished it before taking a picture! This yummy recipe is super simple and totally satisfying.

  • 2 cups quinoa (rinsed!!!!!!!)
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon of each: salt, turmeric, curry powder, garam masala, cumin

Bring to a boil and let boil for a minute or two. Turn heat to low/med-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat, cover with paper towel, place lid on top and set aside for about 5-10min.

With cooked quinoa....toss with....


  • 3 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons of evoo
  • Juice of one juicy lime
  • *Microplane or Zester: two cloves of garlic and one chunk of fresh ginger
  • Hit with several shakes of red crushed pepper (I like it spicy....)
  • A few tablespoons of Coconut Aminos (or Braggs or Soy Sauce)
  • Diced scallions
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Adjust salt to taste.

Yum.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Garam Masala

garam masala in soup....

garam masala in tea....

GARAM MASALA.

Go buy it right now. You can find a big 200g bag in the "ethnic" aisle at any supermarket for about $3. It's the missing piece of the puzzle!!

Since I've arrived home I have been steady recreating the dishes I ate in Southeast Asia. All of my curries were good but they were missing *something. Duh, garam masala. It's the spice mixture that gives Indian food and curries their DEPTH. Mmmmmmmm so good. Go figure, I make this discovery one week before I head back to the Motherland.

Curry Vegetable Masala Soup:
1. Toss a bunch of chopped veggies into a soup pot and sauté (with coconut oil) for a few minutes [I used celery, carrot, zucchini, onion and garlic]
2. Season with salt, curry powder and GARAM MASALA
3. Cover veggies with vegetable broth and let simmer for about 20minutes
4. Top with chopped cilantro

SO DELICIOUS. SO SATISFYING. SO SIMPLE. SO HEALTHY.

Another "Duh": My beloved "Masala Chai"....is tea (called Chai in India) with masala spice!! Putting a half teaspoon of garam masala in your tea or coffee will certainly elevate it! This morning I made a proper chai latte with hemp seed milk, xylitol, and garam masala.

The typical Indian version of garam masala contains:

Black and white peppercorns
Cloves
Cinnamon
Black and white cumin seeds
Black, brown + green cardamom pods

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Smelling Like A Salad...


Health is Wealth, and goddamnit I'm feeling pretty broke!

I am so incredibly passionate about being healthy...being in harmony with nature, my surroundings, and my inner being. I am 8 months into a two year Candida cleanse. Yes, there have been times that I have struggled, times that I've wanted to kick and scream like a child, times that I have actually cried....but I've stuck with it. I have missed toasting champagne at my friends weddings, enjoying a slice of decadent pie to celebrate the holidays, and have only eaten out a handful of times because to order something that fits within my restrictions is near impossible. Overall I have felt pretty optimistic on this cleanse, and have (somewhat) enjoyed this simple, clean diet. Well, this morning, I woke up and it was just too much. Feeling crappy sucks....period. End of story. But feeling crappy while you have been actively working towards feeling good, while you have been forgoing your favorite foods, while you have been sober and all "shanti shanti" is a kick in the shins. In addition to this joint pain and fatigue that is nearly debilitating and an incredibly painful stomach ulcer, my brain has been foggy and I have developed an ear infection. Boom. Insult to injury. I'm not against medicine, but I would say that I am more inclined to go the homeopathic route. In all honesty (I'm sorry to all of my hippie readers out there) I have taken medicine, but truthfully- it doesn't work, and the result of the homeopathic goodies is nearly instant.

So this morning, once I wiped the sad tears of defeat from my face, I hopped online to find a cure for my latest ailment. It seems that all the naturopath remedies that I have been using lately leave me smelling like a salad....this one was no different.

Ear Infection:
Two tablespoons of olive oil (I brought back fresh, organic extra virgin olive oil from Italy) (helps clear wax build up), a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (antibacterial), two teaspoons of (Braggs) Apple cider Vinegar (kills fungus). Warm it up and add a few drops to your ear.

The relief was almost instant. The pain came back this afternoon though it was nothing like the pain that I had woken up with. And so, I reapplied. Again, instant relief.

Alas, there are three parts to the ear, and infections can occur in all three. And since I don't know where mine is, I'm treating them all. I also did a salt press, which felt great. I heated up sea salt, wrapped it up in cheesecloth, and placed it over my ear so it would pull out any moisture. I'm not sure if it helped in the long run, but it felt great.

To take care of the third part I applied a warmed water bottle against my ear. Again, it felt so nice.

The only thing that would have made this better would have been if I had gone to my moms house and she doctored me as I lay snuggled on the couch. And she would have if I had gotten my lazy, sad bum in the car and driven to her house. God bless her she listened to my sad mumbling self-pity-fest this morning and kept encouraging me that it was all going to be okay. Years ago she told me that you need to be your own advocate, and damn was she right. After I cleaned myself up I spent the morning talking to my array of doctors and healers, all with different advice (go figure). The only comfort that I took in all of the consultations was that an ear infection would be a result of my body purging toxins, so fingers crossed that this is part of the process. Being healthy has been quite a challenge for me, but I'm not giving up...because health is wealth....without it you have nothing. So if I smell like a salad, please don't mind....

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Turmeric for your Teeth!

Turmeric...the bright yellow spice used in Asian recipes, and is the basis for almost all Indian dishes, might stain everything it comes in contact with -- but surprisingly it will WHITEN your teeth! Swear to God.
 
Turmeric amazes me. Not only do I love to use it in cooking (legumes should be cooked with turmeric to make them easier to digest), but I have used it as a supplement for years. This golden root has helped me to combat joint pain since I was a kid. And on days that I feel particularly uncomfortable I will make myself "turmeric tea" putting a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder in hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice and sometimes a chunk or two of ginger. In Laos I would make a paste of ground turmeric root and some water, massaging it into my joints before entering the steam hut. And now I am using this potent-bit-of-goodness to whiten my teeth. In Ayurveda it is recommended to gargle with salt water in the morning mixed with a scoop of turmeric, which is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. In India there is turmeric is so many products that you buy....from hair shampoo, lotion and toothpaste. The more that I educate myself about health, healing and our environment, the more I turn into one of those people. I threw out all of my lotions and potions, cleaning products, and toiletries. My cabinet now consists of a few essential oils, Coconut Oil, turmeric and baking soda. I use these to wash my body, my face, and my counters. I moisturize my body, my face, and my lips with coconut oil. I have added "oil pulling" to my morning routine, and in addition to cleansing my nasal passageways with the Neti pot, I gargle with a turmeric/salt/water concoction. And yep - I brush my teeth with a sprinkle of turmeric. The thought of putting chemical strips in my mouth to whiten my teeth is frightening. Putting chemicals on my skin to get it "clean" is terrifying. Afterall, our skin absorbs everything on the exterior and it enters our bloodstream. Go ahead, read the back of your lotion bottle right now...can you pronounce more than half of the ingredients? Probably not. And each of those is going into your body. You will save your money, save your environment and save your health by simplifying your cupboard. I promise.



Saturday, January 4, 2014

Sean.



I think that my Uncle Sean put it perfectly when at the end of my trip he said, "It has been so amazing becoming friends with you." To love someone as family is one thing, but to love someone in your family as a close friend is profound. I cannot find the words to express how much peace was brought to my heart by spending time with my Dads baby brother. I am content.